Refs consider options after weekend abuse

MAC Sports Association chairman Anthony Morley

A Hawke's Bay rugby referee was verbally threatened and a ball thrown at his head in one of two incidents of abuse at Flaxmere Park on Saturday.

"We're disappointed. We've had three cases of abuse in three weeks ... it's hard enough attracting recruits and retaining them without this sort of behaviour," Hawke's Bay Rugby Referees Association chairman Bruce Dockary said.

Jamie McFarland had a ball thrown at him and verbal abuse hurled his way from MAC players and supporters after he called their reserve grade match against Taradale off early when one of their players reacted poorly after being red carded.

Another ref, Stu Catley, had a water bottle thrown at him by a MAC player at the end of the premier game between the same two clubs.

A policeman, Mr Catley, was considering whether a criminal charge may be appropriate for the offender, according to Mr Dockary, who hopes Hawke's Bay Rugby Union officials take the necessary action againstthe offenders.

Last month a Tamatea colts player, Mauriri McLean, was suspended until September 1 for assaulting referee Chris Matthews during a match against Aotea. Mr Dockary said his organisation felt this sentence wasn't sufficient and their appeal will be heard on Wednesday night.

Club development officer for the union, Gary Macdonald, couldn't comment on Saturday's incidents last night as he had yet to sight the referees' reports.

MAC Sports Association chairman Anthony Morley said his club will take responsibility for the two offenders once they find out who they are.

"Regardless of what action the union takes, our club will also take our own discipline measures."

"At Tuesday night's training both teams will be spoken to and reminded about our three foundation policies; No 1 is acknowledging God, No 2 is respect for your teammates, opposition and officials and No 3 is nobody is bigger than the team," Mr Morley added.